“We all have a life story and a message that can inspire others to live a better life or run a better business. Why not use that story and message to serve others and grow a real business doing it?” – Brendon Burchard
If telling your story could make you millions, would you do it?
Not for Reality TV but for the success of your business. Would you risk being a little vulnerable?
When my coach asked me to tell my story of becoming physically exhausted and financially upside down, my answer was a resounding NO! Share the impact, my fears, and even my private thoughts? Never! Why would I do that?
This week in Unstoppable Mindset, I sit down with the Serial Entrepreneur Kye Husbands as we begin our series in Storytelling Mastery. Discover why I now teach storytelling and how telling my story has earned me millions. Learn how one story created the fuel that inspired people to join my team and purchase my product and services.
Vulnerable And Exposed
Leaders often shy away from sharing personal stories in their talks and presentations. Why? Because most are afraid of exposing their flaws or struggles. Unfortunately, this is such a missed opportunity to connect with your audience. Consider consumers no longer want to see flawless ads. Instead, they want to communicate on a more human level. Stories are one of the most powerful tools you can use to engage and connect with your audience. Why is that?
The reality is people buy from the person with whom they share an emotional connection. The person they believe understands their pain, disappointments, and challenges. That’s why I believe discovering and telling your brand story is essential for establishing your brand in the market.
Storytelling Is Truth Telling
“Stories are amazing and powerful because they can resonate with people depending on their needs and experiences and speak truths we need to hear in that moment in time.” – Sue Monk Kidd
Telling an authentic story gives your audience a more intimate look at the journey and passion that inspired you to develop your product or service. Brené Brown defines stories as “data with a soul.” A soul connection is personal and profound. It instantly grabs attention, elicits emotion, and engages. Sharing each challenge and disappointment you have faced, your lessons and personal growth can become the soulful nourishment and the hope and guidance another may need to continue their journey.
Stories connect your audience with your brand more deeply and intimately. Properly selected and told stories can make a point in ways other forms of communication cannot. Each vivid account allows the listener to learn vicariously and discover lessons seemingly on their own. The best stories paint pictures and reveal intimate details about your life. It requires vulnerability and showing a flaw, error, or roadblock that was difficult to overcome. Well-crafted stories bring to life tales of perseverance in the face of uncertainty, adversity, or risk. It connects us because we all can relate to the feelings of stress, insecurity, foolishness after making a mistake, and fear when trying something new.
I believe we all have a powerful story to tell. Take the time to discover and articulate the lessons found in your brand story. Then consider how you could use this story to impact, influence and inspire your audience? Remember, an audience can be one person or thousands.
Book a time with Suzan to learn more about developing your brand story. http://bit.ly/TalkWithSuzan